I saw that the Ti Kaye Village Resort was awarded the site's 2012 Travelers' Choice Award in two categories. It currently ranks #3 on the list of Top 25 Relaxation/Spa Hotels in the Caribbean and also ranks #24 on the list of Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean. All those voters can't be wrong...right?
I went from Trip Advisor to the resort's website, and fell deeper in love. 33 private cottages on the side of the rainforest overlooking a secluded bay and beach? Yes, please! I called immediately to make my reservation, and they were having a special - stay 4-6 nights and save 35%! I reserved an oceanview room, which is a one-level cottage duplex, meaning the cottage has another attached unit next door. The special rate worked out to be $245/night.
When we arrived, I had previously arranged through the resort for a taxi to pick us up at the airport and take us to the hotel. (I was nervous about renting a car and driving on the left side of the winding roads.) The taxi drivers the resort uses are all so incredibly nice. An hour and a half later, we arrived at the resort. It truly was in the middle of the rainforest!
Immediately, various members of the resort's incredible staff greeted us, invited us to experience a rum punch (holy yum!), and gave us an overview of the resort, the dining options, the spa and just chatted about where we were from and why we were vacationing. In truth, while my husband and I were in St. Lucia because I was photographing a wedding at a nearby resort, we were also using this trip as a mini honeymoon.
Next, we were taken to our cottage. A short walk later, we arrived at the most perfect cottage. The cottage is designed to be open air - there are many windows with open-air shutters and even an outdoor shower - but you can also close everything up and put on the air conditioner. The porch had a large hammock and a small table and two chairs - the perfect relaxation spot to enjoy the view of the lush greenery and the boats on the Caribbean Sea. Our room had two beds with mosquito nets, a desk, a large walk-in closet and a nice-sized bathroom. It was absolutely stunning and comfortable!
After a much needed nap after a day of traveling, we went down to the manager's cocktail hour (more rum punch), where we mingled with hotel guests, and then it was upstairs to an amazing buffet of local fare and live music and dancing, which happens every Wednesday night.
The next day, we looked around the premises. We loved the pool area! The perfect place to curl up on a double futon under an umbrella and relax your cares away!
We walked down the 166 steps to the beach, we grabbed a bite to eat at the beachside restaurant. You've got to try the Seafood Basket - fried mahi mahi nuggets, shrimp and calamari. It comes with a big dose of fries you can eat with banana ketchup.
Then we waded in the water, talked with the staff...it was a perfect day. In fact, every day was perfect. We quickly noticed that our location was so perfect, that other hotels and even cruise lines were transporting their clients to our beach by small boats for scuba diving and snorkeling for an hour. Those people mostly stayed away from the resort-side of the beach, so we really got the feeling that the beach was for the resort, even though it's not technically a private beach.
The only drawback for some people who are of poor health or cannot use the stairs - this resort may not be for you because you walk everywhere and there are stairs everywhere. If you are handicapped or are in poor health, please contact the resort before making your reservation.
So what else do you need to know? The month of April was the perfect time to visit, as it was not St. Lucia's rainy season and was warm but not unbearable. It rained a total of 2 hours during our 5 night stay. (Which was just enough rain to make everything a little greener - including the orange-sized limes - and a little more beautiful!)
The resort grounds were incredibly quiet. In fact, we hardly knew if our neighbors were in their cottage or not! The staff was amazingly friendly and always accommodating. We loved everyone we met. The guests seemed to be mainly from Europe and the U.S., most of which were couples.
The spa was incredible...or so I hear. My husband loved his massage! He came back completely relaxed and smelling sweetly of coconut oil.
The cottage was amazing - and even when we left our windows wide open, we never had any bugs in our room...although we did catch a finch stealing our sugar packets out of the garbage and a small lizard staring handsomely at himself in the mirror. :) The food was incredible. The homemade drinks were incredible...again, you've got to try the rum punch.
Simply put, Jason and I had the perfect vacation that definitely exceeded our expectations. We never left the resort, except for when I was working, and we are definitely looking forward to returning again soon.
If ever you are thinking about taking a Caribbean vacation to somewhere you can truly relax, definitely consider the Ti Kaye Village on St. Lucia. I think you will find it every bit as amazing as we did. It is the perfect honeymoon location and a great place to relax and truly get away from it all. Be sure to tell the reservation staff that Jennifer Leigh Photography sent you!
Interested in eloping, having your wedding or renewing your vows in paradise? The Ti Kaye Village Resort would be glad to assist you and take care of your every need! Send your wedding inquiries to info@tikaye.com or call (758) 456 8101. I'd also be happy to also photograph your full wedding day...with a free engagement session included! I can be reached at jenniferleighphotos@yahoo.com or www.jenniferleighweddings.com.
